Ben-no-shosho's Voice : Hikaru-Genji and "Takasago-Utaishi-Kimi"(<Special Issue>Rapport in the Ancient World)

Abstract

In Genji-Monogatari all the major male characters are endowed with the ability to sing in beautiful voices. Especially among them Ben-no-shosho is an interesting figure. He first appears as a child in the "Sakaki" part, who sings "Takasago". From that time he is called "Takasago-Utaishi-Kimi" after the title of the lay and the frequent reference to that name reminds the reader of the scene of his first appearance. This name also suggests the ominous situation under which Hikaru-Genji is placed.